In just a couple of months, the city will be overflowing with visitors from near and far in town for the 2017 Essence Music Festival. EMF released the concert lineup a few months back and it’s good, y’all. With these performances, it’s going to be a party!
The legendary Ms. Diana Ross will be in the building, as well as Solange Knowles, who will be gracing the Essence MainStage for the first time. For the past two years, EMF has been incorporating hip-hop into the festival weekend. Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliott, and the Bad Boy Family have all closed out Essence on its last night. But this year, Chance the Rapper, Master P, and the No Limit Family will be doing that job. Xscape is making a comeback and there will also be a ladies night, which will feature an all-female lineup. Here’s what’s going on night-by-night:
FRIDAY, JUNE 30
Diana Ross
John Legend
India.Arie
Rhonda Ross
Afrika Mamas
AfroSoul
Doug E Fresh
Emily Estefan
Gallant
Heels Over Head
Kelly Price
Moses Sumney
PJ Morton
Ro James
Yuna
SATURDAY, JULY 1 (Ladies Night)
Mary J. Blige
Jill Scott
Chaka Khan
Jazmine Sullivan
Monica
Ari Lennox
Jhene Aiko
Lalah Hathaway
Lizzo
Michel’le
PJ
Remy Ma
Teyana Taylor
The Jones Girls ft. Shirley Jones
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Chance the Rapper
Master P
Mia X
Mystikal
Silkk
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
Solange
Ithwasa Lekhansela
BJ the Chicago Kid
Chloe x Halle
Daley
Elle Varner
June’s Diary
Leela James
Mayah Dyson
Shaggy
Sir the Baptist
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Xscape (Yes, y’all. XSCAPE!)
Both single-day and three-day tickets are on sale now.